Prices of Labor.

In the price of labor these people have a great advantage. The wages of the working man or woman are very low. I cannot see how they can get the necessaries of life, as provisions are very high.

The following has been given me by reliable parties: For digging in the winter, done with a hoe with a short handle with a long blade, very hard work, 30 cents per day without board. For picking the crop, 15 to 17 cents, and in some cases as high as 30 cents and board. I found only one man who paid the latter price. For packing—experienced men—30 cents and board. They do not live very high so that we can estimate the board at 15 cents per day. The foreman upon one of the largest places, where much responsibility is attached gets $20 per month and house rent. He is considered a very fortunate man, as he is employed the year round. When we consider that these workmen do not get steady work, we can imagine them to be poorly off.